Miyabi 5000 MCD Rocking Santoku / 18cm

A uniquely shaped Japanese knife that facilitates both Western and Asian chopping techniques. The ice-hardened blade is acutely sharp with excellent edge retention, and the natural lines on the Masur birch handle mirror the steels Damask finish. —DETAILS— Made in Seki, Japan, a city known for its 700-year-old history of samurai sword-making, Miyabi knives are equal parts style and substance. Every knife in their most popular, and thus most extensive, 5000 MCD range has a CRYODUR blade thats ice-hardened at -196C for strength and corrosion resistance, then tempered for flexibility. The core micro-carbide steel scores 63 on the Rockwell scale, which means it is remarkably sharp and stays that way for long stretches of time. The core steel is surrounded by 100 layers of softer Damascus steel for chip-resistance. Sharpness is at the core of Miyabis philosophy, which is why every blade undergoes a three-step process called Honbazuke in which it is ground vertically, honed horizontally, and polished with a leather strop. The traditional D-shaped handle is made of Masur birch, which has both light and dark lines that complement the floral Damask pattern alongside the blade. This special santoku has a broader curve in the front to facilitate the rocking motion of Western cutting, while the straight back is ideal for the Asian technique of moving back to front. —BENEFITS— The birch handle feels almost as soft as cork, and the polished steel blade slides through ingredients with cool, crisp confidence. We consider it the best of the best.